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PROGRAM D-8462

In examining how we can recover from failure, I want to look at a story of failure in Scripture and see how our Lord dealt with it. You’ll find it recorded in Luke 22; here we see Peter as a total failure.

Did you ever think about the fact that Jesus knew beforehand precisely how badly Peter would fail him? He tells Peter exactly what he’s going to do and when: “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:34). Jesus knew the great failure Peter was to become in just a few short hours, but he did not discard him. People may discard you for failures; Jesus doesn’t. People may refuse to give you second chances; Jesus doesn’t. People look at failure as the end of the road; Jesus sees it as a place of new beginning.

Notice that Jesus told Peter he had already prayed for him, that “when you have turned back,” he would strengthen his brothers. Wow! Isn’t that great?! Jesus believed that even though Peter was going to fail miserably, he would have a comeback. As a result of failing and coming back, Peter would be able to strengthen his brothers.

Do you see what I mean about failure? God is able to use it for good in our lives. He’s not waiting for you to make a mistake so he can have an excuse to punish you. He is incredibly capable of turning your failures into instruments of good.

Notice also that Jesus indicates Satan had something to do with this failure on Peter’s part. Satan uses the tactic of failure to try to ruin us. I believe it is one of his most effective tools. First, he tempts us to sin, and then he dumps guilt on us and tries to tell us that this failure is terminal and we can never recover.

Maybe that’s the stage you’re in now concerning a failure of your own. Do you feel totally guilt-ridden, as though it is fatal? Please listen carefully and understand this marvelous truth: Jesus is in the business of restoration and recovery. He will not discard you, just as he did not discard Peter. Satan meant to use failure to destroy Peter, but God used it to refine him.